loader image
Connect with us

International News

Trump’s back-and-forth on tariffs creates uncertainty, drives surge in gold prices

Published

on

1,201 Views

Gold price rebounds toward record highs of $3,246 after the previous pullback.  Trump’s back-and-forth on tariffs creates uncertainty, underpinning Gold’s safe-haven appeal.Gold remains poised for a fresh leg higher on bullish technical setup on the daily chart.Gold price is bouncing back toward the record highs of $3,246 set on Monday as buyers fight back control despite a sense of calm across the financial markets early Tuesday.

This resurgence comes despite relative calm in broader financial markets, and it underscores the enduring appeal of gold as a safe-haven asset amid political and economic turbulence. Central to this dynamic is the evolving and often erratic trade policy rhetoric emanating from the United States, particularly from former President Donald Trump. As markets struggle to interpret shifting stances on tariffs and brace for consequential economic data, gold appears poised to continue its upward trajectory, supported by both technical and fundamental factors.

The reemergence of gold’s bullish momentum occurs against a backdrop of a moderating U.S. bond market. Last week’s surge in Treasury yields—a swift 50 basis point increase—has partially reversed, with the benchmark 10-year yield falling by approximately 10 basis points. This stabilization has provided a brief respite for investors, many of whom are digesting not only earnings reports from major U.S. corporations but also the ongoing ambiguity surrounding American trade policy.

Trump’s recent comments on adjusting the 25% tariffs on auto and auto parts imports from key partners such as Mexico and Canada have injected fresh uncertainty into the market. His administration’s exemptions for certain technology products, like smartphones and laptops, only added complexity, especially as these items remain subject to less severe 20% tariffs rather than the previously discussed 145% rate. Trump’s mention of impending tariff decisions on semiconductors further adds to the volatility.

Such unpredictability has clear implications for investor sentiment, which in turn sustains the allure of gold. As a non-yielding asset traditionally viewed as a hedge against economic instability, gold thrives during periods when policy inconsistency undermines market confidence. Moreover, the anticipation of further dovish shifts by the Federal Reserve amplifies this dynamic. Remarks from Fed Governor Christopher Waller this week highlighted the economic strain caused by tariff policies, suggesting that rate cuts might be necessary even in the face of persistent inflation. While some voices, like Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic, urge a wait-and-see approach, markets are pricing in substantial rate reductions—approximately 85 basis points by year’s end—with high confidence that rates will remain unchanged at the Fed’s next meeting in May.

Beyond the U.S., global factors are also reinforcing the upward pressure on gold prices. Chinese investors have significantly increased their holdings in physically backed gold exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in April, a trend confirmed by the World Gold Council. This inflow reflects both domestic economic concerns and a broader global appetite for risk hedging, particularly as China prepares to release its first-quarter GDP data. Monday’s announcement from China Customs, revealing a 12.4% year-over-year surge in exports for March, underscores the urgency with which Chinese exporters have responded to looming U.S. tariff hikes.

As gold continues its climb, technical indicators on the daily chart support the potential for further gains. Yet, this ascent remains contingent on several evolving narratives: Trump’s tariff proclamations, the Fed’s policy responses, and the tone of incoming macroeconomic data from China and beyond. In this complex and fluid environment, gold retains its timeless luster—not merely as a commodity, but as a barometer of global uncertainty.

Continue Reading
Advertisement JewelBuzz Banner
Click to comment
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

International News

Swiss watch industry sees export values up  9.2% yoy in Feb 2026, USA, Japan, France drive growth

Growth was led by high-end segments and favorable base effects, while demand in China and Hong Kong remained fragile.

Published

on

1,850 Views

The Swiss watch industry experienced a notable rebound in February 2026, with export values climbing 9.2% year-over-year. This recovery follows a sluggish start to the year in January, where exports had dipped by 3.6%. It was mainly the very strong growth in three of the main markets – the USA, Japan and France – that tipped the balance.

According to the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry (FHS), total monthly sales reached CHF 2.2 billion (approximately USD 2.77 billion), a significant increase from the CHF 1.9 billion recorded in the previous month.


Key Market Performance

The recovery was primarily driven by explosive growth in three core Western and Asian markets, which offset continued fragility in Greater China.

The Top Performers

  • USA (+26.8%): Maintaining its position as the world’s largest market for Swiss watches, the U.S. continues to exhibit “seesaw” behavior. This volatility is largely attributed to shifting trade policies and tariff uncertainties under the Trump administration.
  • Japan (+23.7%): Demand surged in Japan, marking it as a critical pillar of the February recovery.
  • France (+57.1%): While appearing as the strongest growth leader for the third consecutive month, the FHS notes this likely reflects France’s role as a logistics hub. Many watches are transshipped through France to other European destinations rather than being sold to local French consumers.

The Struggling Hubs

In contrast to the Western rebound, the Asian “Greater China” region remains under pressure:

  • China (-11.0%): Following a brief 5.0% uptick in January, demand plummeted again in February.
  • Hong Kong (-5.2%): Similarly, the recovery seen in January (+3.6%) proved short-lived. The FHS characterized the demand in these regions as “fragile.”

Analysis of the Recovery

1. The “Base Effect”

A portion of the 9.2% growth is attributed to a positive base effect. February 2025 was an exceptionally weak month for the industry, with exports down 8.2% at that time. Consequently, the year-on-year comparison for 2026 appears more favorable because the starting point (February 2025) was so low.

2. Tariff Volatility in the U.S.

The U.S. market has become increasingly unpredictable. Watch brands and retailers have been oscillating between building up stocks to beat potential tariff hikes and pulling back during periods of trade policy shifts. This has created a “seesaw” effect in monthly export data.

3. Material and Price Segment Trends

Growth was not uniform across all categories. High-end timepieces continue to lead the charge:

  • Precious Metal & Bimetallic Watches: These segments saw the strongest value increases, with bimetallic watches (gold/steel) surging by 38.4%.
  • Price Tiers: Growth was most pronounced in watches with an export price between CHF 500 and CHF 3,000.
Continue Reading

Trending

JewelBuzz is Asia’s First Digital Jewellery Media & India’s No.1 B2B Jewellery Magazine, published by AM Media House. Since 2016, we’ve been the trusted source for jewellery news, market trends, trade insights, exhibitions, podcasts, and brand stories, connecting jewellers, retailers, and industry professionals worldwide.

We would like to hear from you...

GET WHATSAPP NEWS ALERTS

0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x